Dive Insight:

Notably, more employers are allowing for a distinction between paid parental leave and other forms of leave, including family leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, shirt-term disability and paid time off. Parental leave is reserved for parents who are recovering from childbirth or who are adopting, bonding with or taking care of a child.

Employers that offer paid leave of any kind without being mandated to do so are responding to today’s workers’ needs for flexible work schedules and an increased call for diversity. Parental leave helps employees of all backgrounds, but it is especially important for keeping women in the workplace.